Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake

This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is an easy dessert packed with fresh berries, fluffy cake, creamy topping, and sweet strawberry flavor.

This easy strawberry poke cake starts with a white cake mix baked according to package directions. After baking, poke holes throughout the cooled cake using the handle of a wooden spoon and pour a strawberry Jell-O mixture over the top. After chilling for a couple of hours, top the entire cake with a cream cheese whipped topping and fresh berries for a delicious cake that’s perfect for spring and summer entertaining.

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect summer dessert, this Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is about to become one of your fan favorites. It combines everything we love about classic strawberry shortcake with the simplicity of a poke cake recipe. Starting with a boxed cake mix keeps things easy, while fresh strawberries, strawberry gelatin, and a fluffy whipped cream topping create a dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, backyard BBQs, potlucks, and holiday celebrations.

The best part? This easy strawberry poke cake tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it comes together with simple ingredients from your local grocery store.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy recipe made with a boxed cake mix
• Loaded with sweet strawberry flavor
• Great make-ahead dessert
• Perfect for backyard BBQs and family gatherings
• Uses simple grocery store ingredients
• Light, fluffy cake texture
• Beautiful presentation with fresh berries
• A classic favorite everyone loves

Tips for the Best Strawberry Poke Cake

Let the Cake Cool First

A slightly cooled cake absorbs the strawberry gelatin mixture better without becoming overly soft.

Don’t Skip the Chill Time

Giving the cake several hours in the refrigerator allows the strawberry goodness to soak throughout the cake for the best flavor.

Use Fresh Strawberries

Fresh berries add bright flavor and make this dessert feel extra special.

Make Even Poke Holes

Evenly spaced poke holes ensure every slice gets plenty of sweet strawberry flavor.

Start with Softened Cream Cheese

Room temperature cream cheese creates a smoother topping without lumps.

Variations and Substitutions

Use Cool Whip

Need an even easier topping? Replace the homemade whipped cream with Cool Whip or your favorite whipped topping.

Try Different Cake Mixes

While white cake mix gives the most classic strawberry shortcake flavor, you can also use:

• Box of yellow cake mix
• Strawberry cake mix
• Vanilla cake mix
• Chocolate cake for a fun twist

Add Lemon Flavor

A little lemon juice mixed into the strawberry puree adds brightness and enhances the strawberry flavor.

Strawberry Crunch Version

For a strawberry crunch poke cake, sprinkle crushed Golden Oreos mixed with freeze-dried strawberries over the whipped topping before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This easy dessert pairs perfectly with:

• Grilled burgers and hot dogs
• BBQ chicken
• Picnic lunches
• Spring brunches
• Summer cookouts
• Birthday celebrations
• Easter dinner
• Mother’s Day gatherings

For an extra-special presentation, serve each slice with additional fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Step by Step

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 box white cake mix
• Ingredients called for on the package (typically 3 eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1 cup water)

Strawberry Filling

• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Topping

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries for garnish

Preparation

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions using the eggs, vegetable oil, and water listed on the box.

Pour the cake batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake according to package directions.

Allow the cake to cool for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Poke the Holes

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cake.

Try to space the holes evenly across the entire cake. Smaller holes work well too, but larger holes allow more strawberry goodness to soak into the cake.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Mixture

In one of your large mixing bowls, dissolve the strawberry gelatin mixture in boiling water. Whisk until completely dissolved.

Add the cold water and stir again.

Fold in the strawberry pie filling and chopped fresh strawberries to create a delicious strawberry mixture.

Step 4: Fill the Cake

Slowly pour the strawberry mixture over the top of the cake, making sure it flows into all the poke holes.

Use a rubber spatula to gently spread any remaining filling across the surface.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.

Slowly add the heavy cream and continue beating until thickened.

Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and whip until light and fluffy.

Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the cooled cake.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh berries and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Leftovers

Storage: Store leftover strawberry shortcake poke cake covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also transfer slices to an airtight container for easy storage. Because of the cream cheese and whipped cream topping, this cake should remain refrigerated until serving.

Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake

This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is an easy dessert packed with fresh berries, fluffy cake, creamy topping, and sweet strawberry flavor.

Prep Time 40 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Chill Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 3 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Course:

Dessert

Cuisine:

American

Diet

Vegetarian

Keyword:

cake

|

cake frosting

|

cream cheese frosting

|

frosting

|

poke cake

|

strawberry

|

strawberry filling

|

strawberry pie filling

|

vanilla cake

|

white cake

Dietary Needs:

Nut-Free

Servings: 12 pieces

5 from 8 votes

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 box white cake mix
• Ingredients called for on the package (typically 3 eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1 cup water)

Strawberry Filling

• 3 oz strawberry Jell-O
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 21 oz strawberry pie filling
• 1 cup fresh strawberries (diced)

Cream Cheese Whipped Topping

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish

• 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)

Recommended Equipment

• Metal Baking Dish
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowls – Stainless Steel
• Whisk – Wire
• Rubber Spatula
• Electric Mixer

Instructions

• Preheat oven according to package instructions
• Prepare and bake the cake in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish according to package directions
• Cool the cake for 15-20 minutes
• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake
• In a bowl, whisk together strawberry Jell-O and boiling water until dissolved
• Stir in cold water
• Fold in strawberry pie filling and diced strawberries
• Pour the strawberry mixture evenly over the cake
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours
• Beat cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer
• Slowly add heavy cream and continue beating until fluffy
• Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract
• Spread topping evenly over the chilled cake
• Garnish with sliced strawberries
• Refrigerate until ready to serve

Notes

For extra strawberry flavor, add an additional 1/2 cup fresh strawberries to the filling.
Cool Whip can be substituted for the homemade topping.

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Nutrition Facts

Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake

Amount Per Serving (1 piece)

Calories 413 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 9g45%

Trans Fat 0.2g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 4g

Cholesterol 42mg14%

Sodium 409mg17%

Potassium 108mg3%

Carbohydrates 65g22%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 42g47%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 548IU11%

Vitamin C 25mg30%

Calcium 142mg14%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

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